Thursday 26 August 2010

Four Generations



They'd met before. But he wasnt ready. He was 8 months old, and while his Papa coed over his firm grasp and exchanged one teething toy for another, I could see his great grandfathers deep desire and the longing on his ageing heart to walk with him, to kick a ball while his frailing body still could.




I remember them saying goodbye and knowing (even while it wasn't likely to be the case) that Papa was thinking he may never see him again before the end of his days. There used to be nothing more difficult for me than saying goodbye to my grandparents, as I left each time to join my husband on the other side of the world. There is now nothing more difficult for me than watching them say goodbye to their great grandchildren - with a hope in their eyes for more days to be added to their lives that they may see more of the fruit of their life's labour - a fourth generation. Great grandsons.




While our last trip was not planned, and my desire to stay home in the UK rather than return to Africa was made plain and obvious to all, including God, it was restorative to this sweet pair who have an unique and incredibly special bond. My hearts strongest desire is that their annual rendezvous' continue until Levi is old enough to hold that memory, to remember that old man and to remember his love for him.




I always take too many photos. I never get to edit them all and use them and I often leave a place feeling like I maybe missed out a little by sitting behind my lense.




But then, every now and again, I catch something, something I missed in the moment, and I realise that I have had the privilege of immortalising and emotion. Capturing a heart.




Papa threw him his first ever "catch".




Papa was there to see it. And my camera was their to snap it all up.


I wish you could see the bigger version of these pictures. To see the warmth brim up on the old man's face. To feel his delight. Thank you Lord for funnelling us down a one way track to return to Africa. Every sharp pain and the great expense of it pales into lesser significance when Im reminded of balm our children can be to those who have lived their lives near to their end.

Wednesday 25 August 2010

Back to Africa


My recent long absence was due to the fact that I headed home alone on a plane with my 7mth old and my newly-turned-2yr old on an 11hr flight. The British Border Agency lost everything that proved I was who I was, and after a month short of a year of back and forwardsing via the postal service (as they dont believe in human contact - not even the telephonic kind!) we realised my South African drivers license was about to expire and I would not only then be without ANY form of ID, but the family would also be rendered driverless! Upon this realisation flights were booked, cars sorted and family given a weeks forewarning, and I headed back to a beautiful, warm, sunny South African winter.

The flights cost a fortune as it was in the MIDDLE of the Football World Cup - but I got to see a game live at the Moses Mabida Stadium in Durban, with **FREE** tickets complements of my Dad in-law who was a project manager on the stadium.



It was a real treat to see my "home town" shining in all its glory on the world stage - and much to my surprise I even loved the football match!

Its amazing to see Gods hand in getting us there - I had NO desire to go without my husband to a place (if Im honest!) I didnt feel safe to be with my precious babies. BUT was the most precious time. There is MANY a post to follow about His perfect hand in our trip. I wont bore you by blurting it all out in one!

Just wanted to let you all know - Im back! Distracted, tired, with a too do list longer than my arm - with babyshowers and teas for 500 in the next month to sort, but back nevertheless!

Much Love

Friday 20 August 2010

The Mac

The Mac says it hasnt seen any of my Africa Trip photos. I reallllly thought it had. I was going to tell you all about our trip back to my motherland and load the post with photos. Instead im uploading and sorting photos, with the promise of a proper update soon!

SO much has changed, some things are great - others not so great. Here's to a daily post (starting monday!) to catch you up on everything thats happened!

Much love
xxx

Thursday 12 August 2010

Back from far far away!

Blogging Family! Im back. Yes, I know - I never bothered to tell you I was going anywhere. *Fail*. I was there for 5 weeks and I didnt even log on to let you all know. Shocking.

Of course I missed you. I know, I know... I thought about popping on to say "Hi" but you know, I cant stop at "Hi"... The where's, who's and whats would have knotted me up here for hours. My heaps of news and 3rd world internet connection just wouldn't have gelled. There would have been NO pictures. Just LOTS of words. Who wants that anyway, right?

Now that Im Out of Africa and settling in nicely again at home, blogging will (hopefully) resume as normal.

Much Love
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